Posted by: webmaster | March 11th, 2010 |
in preserving ecosystems top level predators are often targeted as keystone species. Why would this be sound from an ecological perspective? what effects does the loss of these trying to protect them especially the man eaters? what are some enticements that have been used to protect these animals?Unless you live in the Southeast, you might not think of the American alligator as a keystone species. They maintain pools during the dry season to allow the fish and amphibians to survive (and eat their fair share of them). They protect the birds that nest in trees that grow out if those home pools. If some unfledged heron falls out of the nest, the alligator may as well eat it, rather than letting it be attacked by fire ants or some such. Alligators are also about the only predator that can eat gars, helping to keep their numbers in check.
Restrictions on alligator hunting were quite effective in restoring the population.I get the feeling that your specifically asking about the gray wolf and mountain lions. Yes, these are good species to ask about. By introducing these animals in the Keystone National Park, they are going to reduce the numbers of deer and elk preventing disease from spreading so fast and overpopulation, however it is too late for deer, there are too many of them. The effect of losing them is this, its a natural part of the ecosystem, and thus with the loss of a species the whole ecosystem changes from over populations of prey animals to being overrun by rodents, spreading disease from animal to humans. #If you have any other info about this subject , Please add it free.# |
|
